Premier League - Baines: We have to stay with pack

Everton defender Leighton Baines admits they cannot afford to let things slip after a good start to the season.

While a point against fellow top-four rivals Tottenham on Sunday was creditable, a victory would have lifted the Toffees into second place in the Barclays Premier League.

The England left-back knows they need to make the most of home games in particular, such is their record at Goodison Park, but they cannot drop too many points elsewhere if they are to remain in touch with those teams vying for Champions League qualification.

Roberto Martinez's side are currently seventh but only a point behind second-placed Chelsea.

"Hopefully we can start winning a few more," Baines said.

"It is quite congested in the top six or seven and a win can do a lot for you.

"We have to stay with the pack and keep winning games."

Everton have not lost at Goodison in the league since December 30 and Baines feels that is where they can get the most value from their games.

"I think we have to make it so that other people don't enjoy coming here," he told everton tv.

"If Tottenham and Chelsea are not getting any results from us here then it will make other teams think twice about how they approach the game."

Next up, however, is a trip to bottom side Crystal Palace, currently without a manager after the departure of Ian Holloway.

Midfielder James McCarthy will have to tread carefully in the fixture as a booking will rule him out of the Merseyside derby later this month as he will have accumulated five cautions.

"It's a tough place to go and we need to make amends. It's not going to be easy," said McCarthy.

"They are looking to get a new manager and improve all the time but we will have a right go at it.

"Crystal Palace will come at us and we will work on that this week but we need to go there and try to get three points on the board."